ASUU Strike May Be Called Off On Monday As FG Releases N15.89billion To Universities

ASUU Strike May Be Called Off On Monday As FG Releases N15.89billion To Universities

The ongoing strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) may be called off on Monday as the federal government is reportedly making concessions to appease the striking lecturers.

The Nation reports that the concessions will be tabled before the union’s leaders next Monday at a meeting to be convened by Labour and Employment Minister Chris Ngige.

It was also gathered that Ngige has communicated with the leadership of the union for the “robust feedback session” with the hope that the union will return to the negotiation table.

A source told the news outlet that the Federal Government succeeded in addressing the demands of the lecturers and other unions on New Year’s Eve.

“One of the conditions met by the Federal Government was the release of N15.89billion to universities on New Year’s Eve( Monday) for the payment of shortfall in salaries of universities,” the source said.

“The cash is expected to hit the account of all the institutions on or before the close of work today (Wednesday).”

“The government has also set aside N20billion as revitalisation funds for varsities. The National Universities Commission( NUC) has been directed to work out the modalities for allocating the funds to all institutions.

“On the demand for the setting up of Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company

(NUPEMCO), the government has directed the National Pension Commission (NUPEMCO) to issue a licence for the company’s take-off.

“Funds have also been set aside for Earned Academic allowances for lecturers, senior staff and other workers.”

Replying a question, the source added:

“This agreement was inherited by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, but despite the lean resources available to the government as a result of the fall in oil prices, we have done our best to meet ASUU demands.”

Meanwhile, Ngige said:

“We have gone far in considering  the demands of the lecturers. We have substantially met the conditions.

“I am meeting with ASUU leaders on Monday where all steps taken by the government will be tabled before them. This is a responsive and transparent government, we have done our best to meet the conditions.

“In fact, officials from the Ministry of Budget and National Planning will be at the next meeting with ASUU leadership where they will be briefed on facts and figures.

“We are hopeful that the actions taken by the government will be acceptable to ASUU for our schools to reopen.”